Library outreach services for older adults review
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This document discusses strategies for public librarians to better serve the older adult population in their communities. It recommends conducting market research through surveys and feedback to understand older adults' information needs, interests, and current use of library services. The librarian should develop a strategic outreach plan with goals, programs, and collaborations to welcome older adults, such as book clubs, crafts, and technology workshops. The overall aim is to enhance the library experience for older patrons.
Library outreach services for older adults review
- 1. Library Outreach Services Serving Older Adults in Public Libraries By Stephanie L. Miller
- 2. You are the new adult services librarian. ◦ What are your goals for 2012? ◦ What are your plans? ◦ How do you plan to reach out to older adults in your community? New Adult Services Librarian
- 3. To identify the older adult population’s information needs in your community To review and evaluate the current older adult outreach efforts and programming activities at your public library To develop a better library experience and enhance the services that will serve the older adult population Goals of Presentation
- 4. How frequently do older adults visit your library? What are your library’s current older adult outreach efforts? Are there any current older adult programs, activities, and events scheduled at your library? Do you believe that you have met the needs of the older adult population in your library’s community? Quick Library Evaluation
- 5. Who is considered an older adult? What were the significant events that impacted their lives? What challenges do older adults face in 2012? How can librarians assist older adults with their challenges? What are the values of older adults? What are the dreams and goals of the older adult population? Brainstorm
- 6. Do you know the approximate older adult population living in your library’s community? What do you know about the older adult population? (ethnicity, religion, language) What are their interests and hobbies? Important Questions
- 7. ◦ Market research Gather primary research: ◦ Quantitative and qualitative ◦ design patron satisfaction surveys, polls, questionnaires, comment/opinion inquires ◦ Collect information on library programs and events attendance ◦ Listen to verbal feedback from older adult population through reference transactions ◦ Observe the services used by the older adults who attend your library Market Research
- 8. Secondary Research ◦ Government Information Demographicdata national, state, and local statistics on older adults ◦ Free or Subscription based Information Newspapers, magazines and journals and trade publications Professional Associations (RUSA, ALA, PLA and etc.) Market Research Cont.
- 9. Top information needs for older adults ◦ Government and financial information ◦ Health, retirement, and senior living information ◦ Readers’ advisory ◦ Recreation information ◦ Computer training Information Needs
- 10. Valerie is a 65 years old retired nurse and recent widow who lives without any children. She has aspirations to find a part-time job. Valerie doesn’t like the idea of being alone at home. She has a resume, but applying for jobs online overwhelms her. Outside of looking for a part-time job her next goal is to travel. Her interests include traveling, attending church, and making new friends. Story of an Older Adult
- 11. What outreach efforts and programs would you create to welcome the library patron into your library? How would you serve the library patron if she were to enter your library? How would you describe the patrons’ information needs? What programs and activities are at your library to assist the patron? Help the library patron
- 12. Strategic planning ◦ Start writing about key goals, strategies, and possible outcomes Grant Writing: find funding to support your outreach projects. ◦ Library Services and Technology Act Grant (LSTA) Collaborate with organizations in the community ◦ Examples include the Senior Citizen Homes, Health Agencies, Hospital, ◦ and nursing homes Tell the library’s story ◦ Develop strategies to tell older adults about your library services. Get Started
- 13. Mission Statement Objectives/goals Current library services Situational Analysis Market Research Analysis Strategic Outreach Plan
- 14. Strategies for outreach and engagement Budget Implementation of outreach plan Targets and deadlines Expected results Strategic Plan Cont.
- 15. DIY crafts Game nights Business and health information fairs Book Club discussions and storytelling events Professional development Retirement information sessions Genealogy workshops Digital literacy workshops Older Adult Programming and Services
- 16. ALA Office for Literacy and Outreach Services. (2010). Keys to Engage Older Adults @ Your Library. American Library Association. Retrieved from: http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/olos/toolkits/olderadults.cfm Guidelines for Library and Information Services to older Adults. (2008). Reference & User Services Quarterly, 48(2), 209-212. Retrieved from EBSCOhost Dempsey, B. (2007). WHAT BOOMERS WANT. Library Journal, 132(12), 36- 39. Retrieved from EBSCOhost Durrance, Joan C., Fisher, Karen E. Hinton, Marian B. (2004). How libraries and librarians help: A guide to identifying user-centered outcomes. Chicago: American Library Association. Helpful Resources
- 17. Contact me for more information: Stephanie L. Miller, MLIS [email protected]